Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) as method for local staging in patients with prostate cancer

Full text: Introduction: The objective of this communication was to determining the place, importance and capabilities of the endorectal ultrasound for evaluation of the local status of patients with proven prostate cancer, as well as the criteria for the choice of conservative definitive radiotherapy through endocavitary brachytherapy - alone or in combination with percutaneous radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: In the recent years, the new technologies in the field of radiation therapy enabled the non-operative treatment of prostate cancer with similar long-term results and not necessarily lifelong hormone treatment in a number of cases, as opposed to standard therapies so far. Of course, this method of treatment has its indications and requirements. In our study we have included a large number of patients at different stages - in respect of T, but also N and M stages. The basic principle in the selection of patients for conservative radiotherapy, alone or combined, was to include up to T3 H1 without distant metastases. Results: The main requirement from the radiologists was the determination of the degree of invasion of the tumor in relation to the capsule, seminal vesicles and paraprostatic fat without affecting adjacent organs and structures. The extent of local invasion is an essential factor in determining the therapeutic tactics. Besides the local status for Tu invasion, the size of the prostate gland and the exact determination of the volume are essential for the developing of an adequate radiotherapeutic plan. Conclusion: the transrectal ultrasonography in no case is the panacea for determining the local status of the disease. In this respect, MRI remains the gold standard. Nevertheless, the transrectal ultrasonography is informative enough and an accurate method for determination of the indications and pretherapeutic approach for the radiotherapy